Michelle Wie followed her 82 with a 76 in the second round of the US Women’s Open. Better, but not nearly enough to make the cut. She missed by six shots. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Alexis (Lexi) Thompson, who turned pro last month, played her way into contention with a fantastic one-under 70. She’s four-over and T4. Paula Creamer, Suzann Pettersen and Amy Yang are first, second and third, respectively, but they have yet to finish their third round due to delays and darkness.

Amy Yang and Brittany Lang are also T4, but they still have holes to play — giving them room to make mistakes, which can happen very easily at the Women’s Open, no less at Oakmont. Either way, it’s likely Lexi will be playing in either the last or the second-to-last group.

Can she handle the pressure?

“I think I’ll be fine,” said Lexi. “I’m just gonna come out and just play my game, just not worry about it. I have nothing to lose out there. Just try and do my best and try and hit it well.”

This will make the final round worth watching for non-LPGA fans, no? At least check in every once in a while during the World Cup final. And believe it or not — there are SIX Americans in the top ten! When was the last time that happened?

Meanwhile, Michelle found solace by petting a camel and sharing some deep thoughts on her blog:

I am extremely disappointed in how I played this past week, but the only thing I can do now is to move forward and to work harder. I am excited for a good week of practice at Nemacolins Resort and I am looking forward to play in the Evian Masters and the British Open!